University of Dubuque Students Embrace Challenge of the Gigantic Opportunity Scholarship Show

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Five University of Dubuque students traveled beyond the classroom to showcase the hustle, heart, and craft behind their artwork in the Gigantic Opportunity Scholarship Show on display this month in the Voices Studio.

A full-service branding agency, Gigantic Design Co. is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a design show and student exhibit in October in the Voices Studio. The student exhibit invited up-and-coming designers to submit digital artwork and an artist statement describing what the theme "Work Hard For It" means to them.

Spartans who participated in the Gigantic Opportunity Scholarship Show were:

• Hailey Casburn, an Emmaus University student from Elburn, Illinois, enrolled in digital art and design courses at UD - One Day
• Spencer Huston, a first-year digital art and design major from Dubuque - Thankless Job
• Elaina Marburger, a senior digital art and design major from Dubuque - I Never Stop Working
• Mason Sterken, a junior digital art and design major from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin - A Coach's Message
• Katelyn Vorwald, a senior digital art and design major from Dubuque - Chaotic Beauty

"We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing the challenge of the Gigantic Opportunity Scholarship Show. Their willingness to go beyond the classroom and create meaningful work around the theme of 'Work Hard For It' speaks volumes about their commitment to growth and excellence," said Sheila Sabers, MAC, head of the Department of Digital Art and Design and associate professor of digital art and design at UD. "Though none receive awards, the opportunity to exhibit their artwork alongside peers from across the state was invaluable - their creativity and courage deserve to be celebrated."

The openness of the theme allowed student artists to step outside of their comfort zone or dive deeper into their style. For Vorwald, the Gigantic Opportunity Scholarship Show provided the chance to create something "out of the loop" and slightly different from previous pieces.

Marburger shared it was an honor to have work displayed at the Voices Studio. Many of the student artists described the opportunity as both a meaningful and memorable experience.

"It was great to see my work presented in a professional setting that existed outside of UD," Sterken said. "This experience gave me a sense of validation, knowing that the time, creativity, and effort I put into my craft was being recognized and appreciated by others. Being part of the show also helped me feel more connected to the larger artistic community in Dubuque, introducing me to people who might not normally come across my work. It was inspiring to share space with other talented artists, exchange ideas, and see how different creative visions can coexist and complement one another."